L-R: Sam Sweetman (bass), Dean Nolan (lead singer/guitar), Dan Rheinisch (lead guitar), Adam McCarthy (drums)
Following on from releasing a string of anthemic singles in late 2024, Dublin alt-rock outfit Empathy are back with new release ‘Miles Away’ as they look to cement themselves as the next big thing to emerge from the ever-exciting Irish music soundscape.
Roaring out of the speakers, Empathy waste no time re-introducing their bold sound to us on their 3rd release. ‘Miles Away’ is a relentless ode to the new era of alt rock. The track begins with an inciting instrumentation, building tension as they bring a foreboding sense of sonic righteousness to the airwaves. The four-piece are relentless in their approach to cathartic backbeats as they blend riotous distortion with a disciplined groove, forming their unforgiving wall of sound. Showcasing powerful lyricism, emphatic instrumentation and a bold swagger seldom seen in groups this young, Empathy are a band that demands your undivided attention.
Speaking about the release, the group explain –
“Miles Away describes the alienation and loneliness endured by a person who strives for success no matter what it costs them. They serve themselves but mislead those with open hearts.”
Hailing from Northside Dublin, Empathy’s career has only recently begun to take shape. Despite their initial birth as far back as 2017, founding members Dean Nolan (vocals/guitar) and Adam McCarthy (drums) needed an excuse to try out their recent songwriting, their recorded debut only came in August 2024. After recruiting Sam Sweetman (bass) and Dan Rheinisch (guitar), the band powered onto the live scene, their sound echoing The Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies and Interpol.
Having previously performed to sold-out crowds at Whelan’s and The Button Factory, Empathy is steadily establishing themselves as an emerging act on the live Irish music scene. Their style, music and live performance all forge a formidable partnership that is a force to be reckoned with.
With follow-up single ‘A Dying Breed’ released in the autumn, the band have been turning heads since their debut offering ‘Jeffrey’ already receiving backing from Irish national broadcaster RTÉ.